Howdale Surgery
Telephone: 01366383405
Website: www.howdalesurgery.co.uk
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Diagnosed without tests?
5th April 2018Where my particular doctor is concerned I don't feel that he has enough knowledge. There has been more than one occasion where they've taken a stab at something but not really diagnosed it in the correct manner. The consultant I saw at King's Lynn hospital didn't understand how we'd reached a diagnosis without any tests. Why am I going to see a consultant for an operation when I haven't even had a scan or any blood tests etc. The hospital seemed very bewildered by it. Another time I phoned the surgery because my husband felt faint and was feeling like he might pass out. I was told I could talk to a doctor at 3.15, but that's no good as you can never get through. I just need advice. The duty doctor then just says to call 999 and get a paramedic to check him out. He probably just needed his blood pressure checked and a bit of advice. You hear on the news not to call unless you're dying so why are they telling people that. I just put him in bed so he couldn't fall and raised his legs etc. in the end. The diabetes service is good. I once asked for my machine to be re calibrated and was told I didn't need it, then later they told me I needed a new monitor, but they are generally very good. I can ask anything and they are pleasant enough. There's another doctor I see there and a locum who are also both very good.
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Always very good
5th April 2018It's always very good. The doctor I see is very nice. Explains things to me and nothing is too much trouble. I've been here over 40 years. I have found appointment availability varies, but there's lots of good information available in the waiting areas.
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Generally okay
5th April 2018It's generally okay. I know I can call up and speak to a doctor should I really need. Don't think it's too bad.
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Inconsistent service
4th April 2018The majority of services are ok. The nurses are all fine but I do have one or two issues with my own GP. I have a condition that requires me to see a specialist elsewhere but I really do feel like my GP really hides behind that and will often fob me off and sit on the fence. My pain medication has been reduced. I can get more when I need it but I feel I am constantly being passed between my GP and the hospital. I have an incurable condition and I accept that but I still expect my GP to have some idea of what he can do for me. The problem with Howdale is that some doctors are very compassionate and give you time - others are not so good. One doctor asks me why I'm in a chair? If you read my notes you'd know! I know the whole system is under pressure so I get why you have to wait two weeks for an appointment, but when you come out of it you expect to feel satisfied - and with my particular GP I rarely do. The receptionist, nurse and locum are all really good. The locum had looked at my notes and knew what was going on. She was great, but I don't get that kind of treatment normally so it makes me question what's going on? Another issue I have is with the 30 minute call back window. You're told you can ring in later the same day to speak to someone directly if they're not able to give you an appointment that day, but you can never get through. The phone in period isn't long enough! One call could take 10-15 minutes and no one else can get through so the other patients are getting no service at all. If you don't get any satisfaction then what's the point.
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This surgery is just fine
4th April 2018Thankfully I don't have to go there much but this surgery is just fine.
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My doctor listens
4th April 2018My doctor listens and that is a big help. He gets me in quickly so I never have to wait long for an appointment. He's a nice man and really listens.
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Online booking would be godsend
22nd August 2017Waiting times for appointments are an issue at this practice as they are everywhere, but why can't you book online? When you work full time and start at 9am how are you meant to spend 20 minutes on hold to get an appointment? Online booking would be an absolute godsend. Longer opening hours would be good too. Why are they closed on Wednesday afternoon's for example?
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Good rapport
13th May 2016Good relationship with GP. I know what I want and they respect that so we both negotiate.
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Previous cancer patient
25th April 2016I find that you end up using your serious ailments just to get them to take you seriously about why you want to be seen. The GP is fine once you get to see one and I feel that the doctor is very thorough.
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Great surgery; lovely staff
11th January 2016I would highly recommend this surgery. The staff are lovely, from the receptionists on the desk when booking an appointment, to the nurses and doctors when attending an appointment. Their opening hours are great as they open until 18:30 most days in the week, so I am always able to get an appointment around my working hours. Never had any problems and handy as there is a pharmacy within the doctors also, so I don't even have to go elsewhere to pick up my prescription.
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